York honors its veterans: 'Let us always remember'

An estimated 60 people gathered to honor veterans Monday during the annual ceremony held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6977.

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By Susan Morse

seacoastonline.com

By Susan Morse

Posted Nov. 13, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Susan Morse
Posted Nov. 13, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

An estimated 60 people gathered to honor veterans Monday during the annual ceremony held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6977.

A ceremony also took place Monday at the American Legion Post 56 in York.

VFW Post Cmdr. Glenn Blanchette talked about the challenges faced by veterans, from those who returned home from Vietnam feeling alienated by a hostile nation, to those today who must wait to receive adequate health care.

"They have earned the right to be treated with dignity and respect," Blanchette said. "Let us always remember the freedom our veterans have earned for all of us."

Many in attendance were members of Cub Scout Troop 301. Prior to the ceremony, they got to raise the lower the American flag to earn a merit badge. Cub Scouts interviewed, such as Jake Springer, 7 and Seamus Tracy, also 7, said they enjoyed learning about the significance of the raising and lowering of the flag, which was done during the ceremony.

Seamus said, "I thought it was a nice way for them to honor veterans."

Seamus's father, Captain Conor Tracy, served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, said his mother Liz Tracy. His four great-grandfathers served in World War II, she said.

Florence DiSilvestro, a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary, said her husband, the late Victor DiSilvestro served as a Marine in three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Kerry Meyer, mother of Jackson, 9, Amelia, 10 and Sam, 4 said. "I think it's important to bring them out here. They don't get enough of this; ceremonies are important."

After the outdoor ceremony, those who attended were invited into the post for coffee, and doughnuts donated by Congdon Doughnuts.

VFW Quartermaster Rusty Wicker said it meant a lot that so many turned out on Veterans Day.

"It means there is awareness of veterans, who fought for the country and who died for their country," Wicker said. "It's very important."